Hinged socket wrench speed handle

ABSTRACT

A hinged socket wrench having an offset shank ( 20 ) with a first end ( 22 ) and a second end ( 24 ). Attached to the first end ( 22 ) is a clevis ( 28 ) which receives a 180-degree drive head held by a hinge pin ( 40 ). The drive head consists of either a square drive head ( 30 ) or a ratchet drive head ( 31 ). To the second end is attached a rotatable handle ( 58 ), which rotates the wrench upon reciprocation of the handle ( 58 ). A second embodiment of the hinged socket wrench includes a second clevis ( 28 ) that is added to the second end ( 24 ) of the offset shank. The second clevis ( 28 ) adds further combinations of angular displacement of the handle ( 58 ). Thus, increasing the value of the wrench as a tool and also its productivenss in difficult work areas. Five configurations of the hinge pin ( 40 ) provide additional surface interface with both the hinge pin and the handle yoke improving the structural integrity and prolonging tool life.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention pertains to the general field of socket wrenches and moreparticularly to a speed handle for a socket wrench that has a single ora double offset shaft to which is attached a lockable-position, squaredrive head or a ratchet drive head.

BACKGROUND ART

Previously, socket wrenches equipped with various types of speedhandles, or spreader wrenches, have been used to provide a fast and easymethod of rotating a threaded fastener using conventional sockets. Theusual approach is to utilize an extended handle that is bent with four90 degree bends with a rotating grip on one end and the offset parallelwith the handle Shaft. This configuration permits a user to grasp boththe grip and offset portion simultaneously and rotate the tool rapidly,much like a crank handle or a brace and bit. Many combinations of handleoffsets and multiple bends have been used in the past for sockets andscrewdrivers in order to employ the principle of rapid manual rotationby the shape of the tool handle.

A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that readdirectly on the claims of the instant invention, however the followingU.S. patents are considered related: PATENT NO. INVENTOR ISSUED6,349,620 Anderson 26 Feb. 2002 5,768,960 Archuleta 23 Jun. 19985,511,452 Edmons 30 Apr. 1996 5,279,189 Marino 18 Jan. 1994 4,974,477Anderson  4 Dec. 1990 3,388,622 Klang 18 Jun. 1968 2,712,765 Knight, Jr.12 Jul. 1955   460,256 Stewart 29 Sep. 1891

The U.S. Pat. No. 6,349,620 patent discloses a hinged socket wrench foruse with tool sockets which utilizes an offset shank (20) at bends ofequal angles, which place the ends parallel with each other. A clevis(28) is formed into the shank at one end and a square drive head (30) isheld in place within the clevis with a hinge pin (40), thus permitting a180 degree rotation. The wrench secures a workpiece by spinning theoffset handle in a circular direction and then pushed to a convenientposition for tightening. The wrench may be used as a conventional flexhandle by locking the drive head in an angular position in five equalincrements by sliding the hinge pin (40) to the appropriate position. Asecond embodiment includes another head attached directly to both thehandle (58) and an additional clevis which functions in the same manneras the square drive head however it adds further combinations of angulardisplacement of the speed handle increasing its value as a tool and alsoits productiveness in difficult work areas. The improvements to my U.S.Pat. No. 6,349,620 include two embodiments and three alternative designsof the slideable hinge pin that locks the drive head in place at thedesired angle. These improvement are important because they provideadditional surface interface with both the hinge pin and the handle yokewhich improves the structural integrity of the invention as well asprolonged life of the tool.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,768,960 issued to Archuleta is for a tilt wrench havinga handle with a pair of opposed openings on each end that have differentgeometrical shapes. A tilt head has an additional shaped hole inalignment with the handle openings. A connector shaft having aroundshape on one end and a square shape on the other extends through thethree openings and when pressed inwardly interfaces with the tilt headlocking it in place. Selective axial positioning of the connector shaftallows the tilt head to be in either a locked or unlocked position.

Edmons in U.S Pat. No. 5,511,452 teaches a speed handle with a ratchetdrive having an offset between the axis of the handle and the ratchetdrive for use in tight places where there is little room for the handle.The balance of the speed handle is conventional, much like thosecurrently available.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,279,189 issued to Marino, has a pair of handlesdisplaced longitudinally by a given distance, and a hinge connecting acoupling to an arm or one of the handles, permitting relative movementtherebetween about a pivot axis normal to the rotational axis of thecoupling.

Anderson's U.S. Pat. No. 4,974,477 is for a speed wrench using a S-curveshaped shank. The shank causes the axis of the tool to intersect theaxis of the handle, thereby creating a cone-shaped Pattern of rotation,which permits the user to rotate the tool's handle with wrist motion.

Klank in U.S. Pat. No. 3,388,622 discloses a speed wrench consisting ofa pair of concentric, rotatively-connected members. One arm is radiallyoffset from the common axis of concentricity relative to the outermember such that cranking of the handle rotates a work engaging arm.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,712,765 issued to Knight, Jr. is for a wrist motion handtool having a shaft with a pair of bends having a slight longitudinal oraxial displacement in the bore of a pistol-grip shaped handle. The wristmotion of the User rotates the crank arm and only one hand is requiredto rotate the workpiece.

Stewart's U.S. Pat. No. 460,256 teaches a handle for a rotary tool usinga pair of bends in a shaft that form a diagonal wrist. An anti-frictionsleeve is added to the handle for ease of rotation.

For background purposes and as indicative of the art to which theinvention relates reference may be made to the following patents foundin the patent search. PATENT NO. INVENTOR ISSUED 6,382,058 OWOC  7 May2002 6,324,947 Jarvis  4 Dec. 2001 6,186,033 Faro, Sr. 13 Feb. 20015,904,077 Wright, et al 18 May 1999 5,280,740 Ernst 25 Jan. 19944,909,104 Mehlau, et al 25 Mar. 1990 4,711,145 Inoue  8 Dec. 19874,541,310 Lindenberger 17 Sep. 1985 4,334,445 Timewell 15 Jun. 19823,343,434 Schroeder 26 Sep. 1967 2,577,931 Tillman 11 Dec. 19512,382,291 Carlberg 14 Aug. 1945 1,779,203 Williamson 21 Oct. 19301,775,402 Mandl  9 Sep. 1930 1,537,657 Burch 12 May 1925

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

In today's economy manpower is expensive and any tool or device that canreduce the time spent accomplishing a given task is of extremeimportance. Therefore, the primary object of the invention is to providea hand tool that can be utilized with most popular socket sets, and thatshortens the time required to attach or remove a threaded fastener witha polygon-shaped or other configured head on a screw, bolt or nut.Normally, a ratchet handle is connected to a socket and ratcheted byradial motion with one hand while being held in place with the otherhand. The instant invention permits a user to rapidly rotate the nut orbolt until it starts to tighten. The rapid rotation is accomplished bysimple wrist action, with considerably more speed than a conventionalratchet handle. By testing, it was determined that by using the instantinvention, the tightening or removal of a fastener, after its initialloosening, was four to five times faster than accomplished previously.

Further, it is an important object of the invention to initially loosenor finally tighten the fastener by simply repositioning the handle at asuitable angle to gain the maximum amount of torque. This repositioningis provided in a 180 degree arc by a rotatable square drive head or aratchet drive head that permits the socket to remain on the workpieceand the handle to be moved to a convenient position like a standardbreaker bar or flex handle. AS the invention is relatively short andcompact, the user may shift from a vertical position to a 45 or 90degree angle in almost one continuous motion. This allows the user tomaintain absolute control of the socket upon the workpiece and tocontinue adding torque until the workpiece is tightened, or the reverseif loosening is to be accomplished. As the result of the drive headbeing repositionable any combination of angular displacement is easilyaccomplished without lost motion.

Another object of the invention is directed to a unique locking systemthat secures either the square drive head or the ratchet drive head at agiven angle relative to the handle. This feature is particularly usefulwhen the tool is used like a “bull handle” or an “L-handle”. Further,the arrangement locks the head at equal angular increments, which are atthe most convenient positions. It should also be noted that it is notnecessary to lock the head, as it rotates under a small amount oftension and is temporarily held at the angular displacement by aspring-loaded detent 50 it can be controlled during operation. Lockingis easily and intuitively obvious by simply pressing a hinge pin in onedirection or the other for positive positioning at the 45 degreeincrement.

Still another object of the invention is the combination of a rotatablehandle and an offset shank in a compact configuration. This coalescenceof elements permits the user to use only one hand to rotate the socketeasily, whereas conventional ratchets require two hands. Flex handlesand the like require removing the socket each time the rotational limitis reached. Conventional speed handles are long and have limited utilityas unrestricted space is essential to their function. In contrast, theinstant invention is compact and may be used in most places that aconventional ratchet handle is normally employed utilizing both thespeed handle's quickness and the ratchets usefulness.

An important object of the improvement of the invention is embodied inthe interface with the drive head and the hinge pin as the round segmentof the hinge pin is larger in diameter than across the flats of thesquare segment. The combined round and octagonal hole in the drive headhas each inner angular apex shaved off by the introduction of the roundportion of the hex hole. This arrangement allows the round segment ofthe hinge pin to interface with only the round portion of the holeinstead of the sharp inside corners of the octagonal shape. It may beclearly seen that this arrangement takes the slop out s of theinterface, improves the life of the tool, since without the combinedround and octagonal hole the interface will quickly wear out, andgreatly strengthens the integrity of the invention.

Yet another object of the invention is realized in a second embodiment,wherein a second head is used, similar in function, only connecting theshank to the handle wherein the shank may be changed in its angularalignment relative to the handle. This embodiment is particularly usefulin areas that are tight and hard to reach with conventional straight orfixed angle tools. It may be plainly seen that the use of another headpermits the handle to be positioned independent of the square drive heador the ratchet drive head, therefore as many as five additional anglesmay be used in attempting to find the most practical approach toloosening or tightening a fastener even under the most difficultcircumstances.

Still another object of the second embodiment is a feature that permitsthe wrench to be positioned in crank fashion with the handle verticalalong with the square drive head. This unique position allows thefastener to be rotated like a crank handle with the shank horizontal orangled 180, 90 or 45 degrees while still retaining the ability to berotated as described above in certain combinations of angles.

A final object of the invention is directed to the inclusion of fiveseparate, but related, embodiments of the slideable hinge pin that locksthe drive head in place at the desired angle. Any one of the fourprovide additional surface interface with both the hinge pin and thehandle yoke which yields prolonged life of the tool.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent from the subsequent detailed description of thepreferred embodiment and the appended claims taken in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the preferred embodiment having attached asquare drive head.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the preferred embodiment having attached thesquare drive head.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 3-3 of FIG. 2illustrating the internal structure of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a partial isometric view of the square drive head completelyremoved from the invention for clarity.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 5-5 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the square drive head completely removed fromthe invention for clarity.

FIG. 6A is a top elevational view of the square drive head completelyremoved from the invention for clarity.

FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 6B and 6B of FIG. 6.

FIG. 7 is a partial isometric view of the hinge pin completely removedfrom the invention for clarity.

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view taken along lines 8-8 of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a partial isometric view of one of the lock rings.

FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view taken along lines 10-10 of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the preferred embodiment with a squaredrive head.

FIG. 12 is a partial isometric view of the second embodiment havingattached a square drive head.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of the second embodiment having attached a squaredrive head.

FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view taken along lines 14-14 of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a partial isometric view of the second embodiment offsetshank.

FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view taken along lines 16-16 of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a plan view of the second embodiment offset shank with theends partially cut away for clarity.

FIG. 18 is a partial isometric view of the second embodiment with thehandle adjusted to a vertical position and having attached a squaredrive head.

FIG. 19 is a partial isometric view of the second embodiment with thehandle adjusted to a vertical position and the shank at a 45 degreeangle.

FIG. 20 is a partial isometric view of the second embodiment with thehandle adjusted to a horizontal position and the shank at a 45 degreeangle.

FIG. 21 is a plan view of the preferred embodiment which has attached aratchet drive head with the socket end of the ratchet in view.

FIG. 22 is a side view of the preferred embodiment having attached aratchet drive head.

FIG. 23 is a plan view of the second embodiment having attached aratchet drive head with the ratchet drive reversing lever in view.

FIG. 24 is a partial isometric view of the preferred embodiment of thehinge pin with a through-bore for rivet attachment.

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 25-25 of FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 is a partial isometric view of the preferred embodiment of thehinge pin with tapped holes for screw attachment.

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional View taken along lines 27-27 of FIG. 26.

FIG. 28 is an arbitrary cross-sectional view taken along the centerlineof the hinge pin with a rivet in place and bucked into a mating head.

FIG. 29 is a partial isometric view of one of the hinge pin stopscompletely removed from the invention for clarity.

FIG. 30 is an arbitrary cross-sectional view taken along the centerlineof the hinge pin with screws attached to hold the hinge pin stops inplace.

FIG. 31 is a top plan view of the drive head with the depressionsillustrated as if it were a cross section view. The view is provided toclearly show the combined round and octagonal hole that interfaces withthe hinge pin.

FIG. 32 is an arbitrary cross-sectional view of the clevis integrallyformed into the first end of the shank forming the bifurcated forkshowing the combined round and square hole that interfaces with thehinge pin.

FIG. 33 is an arbitrary cross-sectional view of the wrench body yokewith the hinge pin in place in a fully engaged embodiment with the pinrotating in conjunction with the drive head, shown in both the unlockedand locked position.

FIG. 34 is an arbitrary cross-sectional view of the wrench body yokewith the hinge pin in Place in a fully engaged embodiment with the pinrotating in conjunction with the drive head, shown in both the unlockedand locked position, except that it is in an opposite hand configurationof FIG. 33.

FIG. 35 is an arbitrary cross-sectional view of the wrench body yokewith the hinge pin in place in a partially engaged embodiment with thepin stationary relative to the drive head, shown in both the unlockedand locked position.

FIG. 36 is an arbitrary cross-sectional view of the wrench body yokewith the hinge pin in place in a partially engaged embodiment with thepin rotating in conjunction with the drive head, shown in both theunlocked and locked position.

FIG. 37 is an exploded view of the fifth variation of the slideablehinge pin.

FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 38-38 of FIG. 37.

FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 39-39 of FIG. 37.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of apreferred embodiment and a second embodiment for a hinged socket wrenchspeed handle. Both embodiments are alike except the second embodimenthas an additional pivoting head on the end of the offset shank adjacentto the handle. The preferred embodiment is shown in FIGS. 1 through 23,with the single pivoting head shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 11, 21 and 22, andthe second embodiment with the additional pivoting head shown in FIGS.12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20 and 23.

The offset shank 20, in either embodiment, which may be round in shapeand made of metal, has a first end 22, a second end 24, and two opposedbends 26 that are integrally formed or forged during fabrication. Thebends 26 are of equal angles from 10 degrees to 90 degrees, with 45degrees being preferred, and the first end 22 and second end 24 areparallel in each opposed direction, as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3 and 11.A clevis 28 is integrally formed into the first end 22 of the shank,thus forming a bifurcated fork, as illustrated best in FIG. 11.

In both embodiments, either a square drive head 30 or a ratchet drivehead 31 can be pivotally disposed within the shank first end 22. Bothheads 30, 31 can be configured to accept wrench sockets. Preferably, thedrive heads 30 and 31 are dimensioned to fit a conventional ¼ inch, ⅜inch and ½ inch drive however, other sizes may be included and used withequal ease (such as metric sizes). The square drive head is shown inFIGS. 1-6, 11-14 and 18-20, while the ratchet drive head is shown inFIGS. 21, 22 and 23. For brevity, the remainder of this disclosure willonly make reference to the square drive head 30, which also applies tothe ratchet drive head 31.

The assembly of the drive head 30 into the clevis 28 allows an angularposition retaining means which comprises means to intersect rotationwith at least five discrete positions, with a total displacement of 180degrees, as defined by the utilization of a spring-loaded detent ball32. The ball 32 is located within a bore 34 in the bifurcated fork, andthe drive head 30 contains a plurality of coequally spaced depressions36, with 45 degrees being preferred, as illustrated in FIGS. 4, 6 and11, however any number of equal spaces may be employed with like easeand utility. The detent ball 32 intersects with the depressions 36holding the drive head 30 in specific angular positions. The inventioncan also easily be adjusted by hand when another angle is desired. Itshould be noted that the drive head 30 contains a spring-loaded drivedetent 38 for holding sockets in place, which is Well known in the artand in common usage.

The square drive head 30 is rotatably held between the jaws of theforked Clevis 28 with a slidable hinge pin 40, as shown in FIGS. 7, 8,11, 24-30 and 33-36, thereby permitting the drive head to pivotallyrotate and lock within the confines of the clevis 28. Securement meansto hold the hinge pin 40 in position from sliding from one side to theother is provided, as shown in FIGS. 3, 11, and 14, by the constantlateral urging of the spring loaded detent ball 32.

A hinge pin 40 is disposed through at least one square drive head 30, orratchet drive head 31, and the clevis 23 bifurcated fork, permitting thedrive head 30 to pivotally rotate and lock within the confines of theclevis 28. The hinge pin 40 is slideable and held in position by lateralurging of the spring-loaded detent ball 32, as previously discussed.There are five variations of the slidable hinge pin 40 as shown incross-sectional of FIGS. 33-42 with the preferred variation illustratedin FIGS. 1-3, 7-14, 18-24, 25, 28 and 33.

In the first four variations the invention utilize a hinge pin 40 thathas metallic body 66 with at least one round segment 68 and at least onesquare segment 70 also means for retaining the hinge pin 40 within thehinged socket wrench speed handle. Both the square and ratchet drivehead 30 and 31 contains a combined round and octagonal hole 72therethrough, as illustrated in FIGS. 4, 11, 14 and 31. The reason thatthe hole 72 is described as being combined round and octagonal is that around hole is bored first and two square holes are broached within theround hole leaving internal intervening points radially truncated suchthat the round segment 63 of the hinge pin body 66 may slide easilyinside without interference while leaving the outside points sharp tointerface with the square segment 70.

The clevis 28 has a combined round and square hole 74 through eachclevis fork, as illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 32, such that when the hingepin 40 is manually urged in a first direction the pin 40 is retained inthe drive head 30 or 31 and rotates freely within the clevis 28. Whenthe hinge pin 40 is urged in an opposite second direction the squaresegment 70 intersects with the shank clevis 28 locking the drive head 30or 31 in place.

The combined round and octagonal hole 72 in the heads 30 and 31 eachhave its inner angular apex shaved off by the introduction of a roundportion 72 a within the hex hole as illustrated in FIG. 6A. Thisarrangement allows the round segment of the hinge pin to interface withonly the round portion 72 a of the hole instead of the sharp insidecorners of the octagonal shape if the hole were not present. Thisembodiment is illustrated in FIG. 6B.

The means for retaining the hinge pin 40 within the hinged socket wrenchspeed handle are presented in three embodiments, both acceptabledeviations as they each accomplish the same task only in a differentmanner. The preferred embodiment of the retaining means utilizes a bore76 in the hinge pin body 66 running completely through from end to end,as shown pictorially in FIGS. 8 and 28. A rivet 78 is disposed withinthe bore 76, with the rivet head larger in diameter than the combinedround and square hole 74 through each fork of the clevis 28. The rivet78 forms a limiting restriction retaining the hinge pin 40 in the forkclevis 28. The unheaded end of the rivet 78 is bucked forming a similarhead. FIG. 11 shows the unheaded end dotted and FIGS. 10, 28 and 33-36illustrate the head bucked.

The second embodiment of the means for retaining the hinge pin 40 withinthe hinged socket wrench speed handle is illustrated in FIGS. 26, 27, 29and 30, wherein the hinge pin 40 includes a threaded extended neck 80 oneach end. A hinge pin stop 82, shown by itself in FIG. 29, is disposedon each end of the neck 80 and is attached with a screw 84 fastenedwithin the threads of the neck 80. the hinge pin stops 82 also have alarger diameter than the combined round and square hole 74 through eachfork of the clevis 82, forming a limiting restriction retaining thehinge pin 40 in the clevis fork. In both embodiments of the hinge pinretaining means the head of the rivet 78 and the hinge pin stop 82 areround and may be contoured to follow the shape of the outside surface ofthe clevis 28. The third embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 37-42 with aretaining ring 52 holding the hinge pin 40 in place.

As stated previously there are five variations of the slideable hingepin 40, with four shown in the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 33-36, allof which are acceptable as far as function is concerned, the differencebeing in the rotation of the pin and the amount of engagement betweenthe elements. The preferred variation is illustrated in FIG. 33, and isalso shown in the balance of the drawings, consists of a fully engagedrotating hinge pin 40 with alternating two round segments 68 and twosquare segments 70. It will be noted that the square segments 70 haveends or points that extend beyond the diameter of the round segments 68which lock into the holes 72 and 74 of the clevis 28 and drive heads 30and 31, whereas the round segments rotate freely. The unlockedillustration of FIG. 33 shows the pin 40 extending to the left of theclevis 28 with a square segment 70 completely on the outside and theadjoining round segment engaging the combined round and square hole 74of the clevis 28. The adjacent second square segment 70 securelyinterfaces with the combined round and octagonal hole 72 in the drivehead 30 or 31 with the last round segment 68 rotating within the clevis28. It will be clearly seen that the drive head 30 or 31 is secured intothe square segment 70 embracing the pin 40 which, in combination, isfree to rotate as the round segments are configured to revolve and slideeasily within the drive head and clevis holes 72 and 74. To lock the pin40 in place, the pin simply slid to the right by manually pushing on thehead, where the opposite action takes place with both the pin and drivehead in contact with a square segment 70 locking the two elementstightly together. As explained previously the hinge pin 40 is held inplace by the constant lateral urging of the spring loaded detent ball 32in the depressions 36 on the drive head 30 or 31.

FIG. 34 illustrates basically the same configuration as the preferredembodiment except it is left hand or opposite in its function which inthe unlocked position the head is flush with the left side of the clevis28 and protrudes on the right. The functioning of this variation is thesame fully engaged type with the pin 40 rotating within the clevis anddrive head.

FIG. 35 depicts a partially engaged variation with the pin 40stationary. There is only one round segment 68 and two square segments70 that function in the unlocked condition by having the square segmentsin contact with the clevis 28 eliminating rotation while the roundsegment 63 permits the drive head 30 or 31 to move freely. When the pin40 is slid to the right the two square segments interface with theclevis 28 fully on the left side and partially on the drive head andright side of the clevis locking both together.

The variation shown in FIG. 36 is like the previous configuration exceptit utilizes two round segments 60 and one square segment 70. Whenunlocked the square segment interface with the drive head 30 or 31rotating the pin 40, when manually pushed to the left the square segment70 partially engages both drive head and right side of the clevislocking them together.

It will be noted that five positions of the retaining means are shownemploying the spring-loaded detent ball 32 however, the invention is notrestricted to this specific number as any number of interveningpolygonal depressions 36 may be easily utilized in incremental spacing.The drive head securement means is shown in the drawings and describedas utilizing a square or polygonal shank 46 and an octagonal orpolygonal depression 56, a combination of one or more round segments 68and one or more square segments 70, to employ any polygonal shape inboth elements. Thus as long as the depressions have a double amount offacets as that of the shank increasing the number of positions availablefor the angular displacement of the drive head 30 within the clevis 28,still falling within the bounds of this invention.

The fifth variation is illustrated in FIGS. 37-39 and differs onlyslightly than the other four in the hinge pin 40 configuration.

The hinge pin 40 of the fifth variation is shown removed from theinvention for clarity in FIGS. 38 and 39 and consists of a round body 42with a rivet 78.

The hinge pin 40 penetrates the Clevis 28 through a combined round andsquare hole 74 in one fork of the clevis 28 and a round hole 86 in theother fork. This arrangement permits locking the clevis 28 as the roundsegment of the hinge pin 40 is larger in diameter than the flats on thesquare segment.

In all variations a rotatable handle 58 is attached to the second end 24of the shank 20, thereby permitting rotation of the wrench uponreciprocation of the handle, and radial turning when urged at rightangles to the head 30. There are a number of methods that permit thehandle 58 to reciprocate with the preferred method illustrated in FIG.3. The handle 58 is normally fabricated of a type of thermoplastic andit includes a bore 83 therein that does not penetrate completelythrough. A handle sleeve 90, that is slightly larger in inside diameterthan the offset shank 20, is placed over the shank 20 and the shankincludes a threaded hole 92 in the end, in which a screw 94 retains awasher 96 abutting tightly against the end of the shank 20. The entireassembly is pressed into place since the sleeve 90 is slightly largerthan the bore 88 and the washer 96 has a smaller outside diameter thanthat of the sleeve 90. The assembly is forced into the bore 88 until thehead of the screw 94 almost touches the end of the bore 88 precludingthe screw from ever backing out. It may be clearly seen that the handle58 is free to rotate and the clearance between the sleeve 88 and shank20 is such that with a small amount of lubricant added to the interfacethe rotation is easy and permanent. A second method may also be employedwhich is simple and easy, however it does not have the robust anddurable features as the preferred embodiment.

The handle 58 in the second method is rotatably held in place by a roundretaining ring 60 which interfaces with an internal groove 62 in thehandle and an external groove 64 in the shank 20. These items are wellknown in the art for attachment of handles to tools. The handle 58 maybe cylindrical, as shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 11, or contoured, asillustrated in FIGS. 12-14 and 18, 19 and 20.

During use the speed handle may be utilized in two separate ways. First,when fastening a bolt or nut, an appropriate socket is attached and thehinge pin 40 is pushed to the side, with the removable head 52contiguous with the clevis 28. The workpiece is started on its threadsmanually or inserted into the socket and rotated by spinning the offsethandle in a circular direction. When the workpiece is snug, the tool ispushed downward to a convenient position in a single smooth motion.Tightening is then completed by rotation at the appropriate angle, usingthe handle as a lever arm. The second method of operation is to lock thedrive head 30 in place by manually pushing the pin 40 until the rivethead 78 or hinge pin stop 82 is adjacent to the clevis 28 and using thetool as a flex handle or a bull handle.

The second embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 12-14,17-20 and 23, and is basically the same as the preferred embodimentexcept a second clevis 28 is added to the second end 24 of an offsetshank 20 a. The offset shank 20 a is shown by itself in FIG. 17, and theclevis 28 is identical however, the bends 26 are a full 90 degrees andthe overall length is illustrated shorter than the drawings of thepreferred embodiment. This difference in configuration bares no weightas it will be noted that the angles may be from 10 to 90 degrees and thelength is of little importance, as it depends upon the size of the driveand the wrenches ultimate utility. A second head is mounted in thesecond clevis 28 and differs in that it attaches directly to the handle58, therefore it is designated a body head 44 instead of the drive head30. This body head 44 has the same radial shape and flat sides,including the depressions 36, as the drive head, except instead of thesquare drive end, a cylindrical portion extends outward and interfaceswith the handle 58 in the same manner as the second end 24 of thepreferred shank 20, as illustrated in FIG. 14. The cylindrical portionof the head 44 includes an internal groove 62 and interfaces with thesame round retaining ring 60, thereby permitting the handle to rotatefreely on the head extended portion.

Since the body head 44 functions in the same manner as the square drivehead 30, and the same hinge pin 40 is utilized along with the headdetent 38 assuring the angular position of the head, the wrench may nowhave the handle 58 adjusted to the optimum position for leverage andconvenience, as illustrated in FIGS. 18-20. It will be plainly seen thatthe utility of the wrench, by spinning the offset handle in a circulardirection to snug the workpiece is not altered in any way, only itsusefulness is enhanced by relocating the angle of the handle to bestsuit the particular circumstance. For example, the drive head 30 can beattached to one end of a straight rod, wherein the rod's opposite endhas a T-handle connected which functions as a speed handle for rotatingthe wrench.

While the invention has been described in complete detail andpictorially shown in the accompanying drawings it is not to be limitedto such details, since many changes and modifications may be made in theinvention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Hence, itis described to cover any and all modifications and forms which may comewithin the language and scope of the appended claims.

1. A hinged socket wrench speed handle for tool sockets comprising: a)an offset shank having a first end and a second end, b) a clevisintegrally formed into the first end forming at least one bifurcatedfork, c) at least one pivoting head disposed within the bifurcated forkwith one configured to accept wrench sockets, said head configured toaccept wrench sockets defining a drive head that further includesangular position retaining means to intersect rotation at equal spaceddiscrete positions comprising a spring-loaded detent ball that isdisposed drive head is configured to accept wrench sockets having aplurality of depressions at coequal spaces such that the detent ballintersect with the depressions, thus retaining the drive head in aspecific position, also drive head securement means, d) a hinge pindisposed through at least one head and clevis bifurcated fork, thuspermitting the drive head to pivotally rotate and lock within theconfines of the clevis, said hinge pin is slideable and held in positionby lateral urging of said spring-loaded detent ball, and e) a rotatablehandle attached to the second end of the shank for rotating the wrenchupon reciprocation of the handle and radial turning when urged atsubstantially right angles to the pivoted drive head.
 2. The hingedsocket wrench speed handle as recited in claim 1 wherein said drive headis comprised of a square drive head.
 3. The hinged socket wrench speedhandle as recited in claim 1 wherein said drive head is comprised of aratchet drive head.
 4. The hinged socket wrench speed handle as recitedin claim 1 wherein said slidable hinge pin further comprises a roundbody with a body head and with a polygonal shank, with an integral shankhead, and a drive head having a polygonal depression such that when thehinge pin is manually urged in a first direction the drive head is incommunication with the round body, thereby permitting free rotation; andwhen slid in an opposite second direction the polygonal shank of thehinge pin intersects with the polygonal depression, locking the drivehead in place.
 5. The hinged socket speed wrench speed handle as recitedin claim 1 wherein said hinge pin, when fully engaged rotates whenunlocked.
 6. The hinged socket speed wrench speed handle as recited inclaim 1 wherein said hinge pin, when partially engaged is stationary androtates when unlocked.
 7. The hinged socket speed wrench speed handle asrecited in claim 1 wherein said hinge pin, when partially engagedrotates when unlocked.
 8. The hinged socket wrench speed handle asrecited in claim 1 wherein said offset shank further comprises a pair ofopposed bends integral with the shank.
 9. The hinged socket wrench speedhandle as recited in claim 8 wherein said opposed bends are at equalangles and the shank first end and second end are parallel thereunto.10. The hinged socket wrench speed handle as recited in claim 9 whereinsaid an opposed bends are from 10 degree angles to 90 degree angles andcoequal thereunto.
 11. The hinged socket wrench speed handle as recitedin claim 1 wherein said slideable hinge pin further comprises a bodyhaving at least one round segment and at least one square segment andmeans for retaining the hinge pin within the hinged socket wrench speedhandle, wherein said drive head having a combined round and octagonalhole therethrough and said clevis having a combined round and squarehole through at least one fork of the clevis, such that when the hingepin is manually urged in a first direction the pin is retained in thedrive head and rotates freely within the clevis, and when the hinge pinis urged in an opposite second direction the square segment intersectswith the shank clevis locking the drive head in place.
 12. The hingedsocket wrench speed handle as recited in claim 11 wherein said slideablehinge pin further comprises said round segment is larger in diameterthan across the flats of said square segment.
 13. The hinged socketwrench speed handle as recited in claim 11 wherein said combined roundand octagonal hole further comprises said round hole cuts off a portionof the hex hole inner angular apex which allows the hinge pin tointerface with only the round hole instead of the sharp inside cornersof the octagonal shape if the hole were not present.
 14. The hingedsocket wrench speed handle as recited in claim 11 wherein said means forretaining the hinge pin within the hinged socket wrench speed handlefurther comprises said hinge pin having a bore therethrough and a rivetdisposed within the bore, said rivet having a larger diameter head andbucked end than the combined round and squares hole through each fork ofthe clevis, forming a limiting restriction retaining the hinge pin inthe fork clevis.
 15. The hinged socket wrench speed handle as recited inclaim 11 wherein said means for retaining the hinge pin within thehinged socket wrench speed handle further comprises said hinge pinhaving a threaded extended neck on at least one end, and a hinge pinstop disposed upon at least one neck with a screw fastened within thethreads of at least one neck, said hinge pin stops having a largerdiameter than the combined round and square hole through each fork ofthe clevis, forming a limiting restriction retaining the hinge pin inthe fork clevis.
 16. The hinged socket wrench speed handle as recited inclaim 1 wherein said drive head further comprises a ¼ inch driveinterface.
 17. The hinged socket wrench speed handle as recited in claim1 wherein said drive head further comprises a ⅜ inch drive interface.18. The hinged socket wrench speed handle as recited in claim 1 whereinsaid drive head further comprises a ½ inch drive interface.
 19. A hingedsocket wrench speed handle for tool sockets comprising: a) an offsetshank having a first end and a second end, b) a clevis integrally formedinto the shank's first end and shank's second end, each forming abifurcated fork, c) a first head defining a drive head pivotallydisposed within the shank's first end bifurcated fork to accept wrenchsockets, d) a second head defining a handle head pivotally disposedwithin the shank's second end bifurcated fork to accept a handle, e) ahinge pin disposed through both the drive head and the first end of theclevis bifurcated fork also the handle head and the second end of theclevis bifurcated fork, thus permitting each head to pivotally rotateand lock within the confines of its respective clevis, and f) arotatable handle attached to the handle head for rotating the wrenchupon reciprocation of the handle, and radial turning when urged atsubstantially right angles to the pivoted square drive head.
 20. Thehinged socket wrench speed handle as recited in claim 17 wherein saiddrive head is comprised of a square drive head.
 21. The hinged socketwrench speed handle as recited in claim 17 wherein said drive head iscomprised of a ratchet drive head.
 22. The hinged socket wrench speedhandle as recited in claim 19 wherein said offset shank furthercomprises a pair of opposed ends integral with the shank and wherein thebends are at equal angles ranging from 10 degrees to 90 degrees with theshank first end and second end is parallel thereunto.
 23. The hingedsocket wrench speed handle as recited in claim 19 wherein both the drivehead and the handle head further comprises angular position retainingmeans including means to intersect rotation at equal spaced discretepositions and head securement means.
 24. The hinged socket wrench speedhandle as recited in claim 23 wherein said angular position retainingmeans further comprises means to intersect rotation at equal spaceddiscrete positions and drive head securement means.
 25. The hingedsocket wrench speed handle as recited in claim 24 wherein said means tointersect rotation at equal spaced discrete positions further comprisesa spring-loaded detent ball that is disposed within said bifurcatedfork, and said drive head having a plurality of depressions at coequalspaces such that the detent ball intersects with the depressions, thusretaining the drive head in a specific position.
 26. The hinged socketwrench speed handle as recited in claim 25 wherein said drive headsecurement means further comprising said hinge pin is slidable and heldin position by lateral urging of said spring loaded detent ball.
 27. Thehinged socket wrench speed handle as recited in claim 26 wherein saidslideable hinge pin further comprises a body having at least one roundsegment and at least one square segment and means for retaining thehinge pin within the hinged socket wrench speed handle, wherein saiddrive head having a combined round and octagonal hole therethrough andsaid clevis having a combined round and square hole through each fork ofthe clevis, such that when the hinge pin is manually urged in a firstdirection the pin is retained in the drive head and rotates freelywithin the clevis, and when the hinge pin is urged in an opposite seconddirection the square segment intersects with the shank locking the drivehead in place.